Dog Fu

***IN DRAFT

Now, I should probably preface by starting out with the statement; “I am not suggesting or supporting the actual “fighting” or ” abusing” of ANY animal, much less one with as much integrity as I strive to achieve.”

Have you ever “Boxed” your dog? (No, not really “hitting” the dog!)

You know. On those days when your pooch has really been good around their face? When he’s having fun, but seems to be a bit more aware, willing to slow down for a minute, and wants you to play “up close.” An example might be those times like when he’s over the side of the couch, and you get up only because that’s the only way to “get him back.” 🙂

During those times, if you’ve been lucky, you might have been able to experience something kind of cool between the two of you. Be very careful though as this is also a major trust area for your dog.

There is a special, “in fighting” bond that can be created and “played” between K-9’s and their human handlers. It’s best to be described as “play,” but for those who are a bit closer, you’ll know this as intimate play. Take it a bit further and you have behavior modification through direct condition/response.

There are as many dogs as there are owners. And every one of them brings to the table their own personality, training’s, and experiences. So for some of you, this will result in various results. For others, the variables might come from simply finding which game to start. Games like “Boxing,” “Slap Fighting,” “Duck and Cover,” “Rocky” or even “Dog Fu!” are a few examples that might give you a further understanding of what we’re talking about here. 🙂

The subject matter that follows will include information that allows for significant increases in “control” of your K-9, within the Submission/Dominance/Social structures of the “psyche,” by exploiting the emotional control centers of the animal to change an instinctual response. Therefore, these insights come at great risk to both yourself and your animal. Please always maintain strict controls at all times, and never put your dog through unnecessary risk of injury. Physically or emotionally.

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Boxing your dog.

First of all. “Do I mean, actually hitting your dog with a closed fist?” …Well, maybe not at first….:) (No, not really “hitting” the dog!)

It will depend on your personal relationship with the dog. Most dogs that I know will recover from the blow and distance themselves as best they can, while incorrectly checking their rear for submission opportunities rather than evasion.

I did however say, “most.” And I also said “incorrectly.” I’ll do my best to elaborate each point more clearly.

There are two points within this metaphor.

The first, “will recover from the blow and distance themselves as best they can” describes the level of physical effect you are subjecting the animal to and their typical response. As the statement describes, most K-9’s that have been subjected to a “blow” to the head or face will recover or “shake off” the shock of the attack assuming it has not severely injured them in any way, and while doing so will attempt to distance themselves from any further attacks by backing away rather than turning around to run. BE AWARE! Even gentle blows to the head of a dog can be fatal. Because of this, “Boxing” is never done with a “closed fist.” When done, it is only with “partially closed” fists, loosely closed and held in such a way that when a strike is made your fingers will absorb the majority of the blow as they collapse into the “fist” giving the “impression” that a hit has been made with a closed fist.

The other point, “while incorrectly checking their rear for submission opportunities rather than evasion.” is used to illustrate the conflict within the animal that will be exploited in order to modify the behaviors and overcome the instinct.

We’ve all played a little “close to the face” of our dogs. Some more than others, and some with different results! – But! …

(In case you are wondering, “Do I sell dog food or training…?” The answer is no:) lmao! )

I have been fortunate enough in my life, and in my relationships with K-9’s to build a fairly extensive understanding of their reactions to facial stimuli in varied situations regardless of whether the animal has been “trained” or if it is simply a common, everyday, domesticated “pet.”

In K-9’s, the face is the dominant “embodiment” of the “soul.” The mind, like ours, sees the world as a being within it, and aware of its own individuality. Because of this, any and all interactions directly or indirectly involved in the face and/or in the area “around” the face will have a dramatic and very real effect on the dog on many different levels. Careful observation of the animal during and after ANY of these exercises is therefore extremely important. Any indication that the personality of the animal is being affected negatively by the exercises must be taken seriously and the training must either be modified or stopped all together. The point of all this is to interact “with” the dog, not “do things TO the dog.”

There is no risk of being anthropomorphic in saying that K-9’s have emotions and responses similar to those found in Humans. (1) And although they appear to show similar reactions to physical pain as Humans, the K-9 is actually affected “cognitively” to pain on a very different level. Unlike Humans who can experience pain and “shrug it off,” K-9’s may at times have a much more difficult time “forgetting” the experience. In dogs, pain can have a very distinct psychological effect on the animal that can attach itself cognitively in many, many different ways, with many different results.

Because of this and other mechanisms I am familiar with, I can say that the differences (at least in cognitive languages) are actually not only very similar to those found in Humans, they can actually be considered more acute.

All this is said for a reason.”What reason is that?” you ask.

Emphasis to this is made so that anyone considering experimenting with any of these exercises with any K-9 clearly understands that not only are the physical aspects of the dog being influenced, but the psychological stability of the K-9 “WILL” be constantly changing and that these changes can and will have dramatic “permanent” effects to the animal. Many of which can not be reversed.

Now! All that said…, Let’s get down to business! 🙂

Now that you’re in close, it is the times like these when you can get your dog to slow down and let you “smack his face,” or “make noises on his cheek flaps!” This is where you will want to start.

Be aware of accidental “incursions” here, (nips) from your K-9, while also being aware of your own. In the beginning, both of you will be learning how the game is played, what the rules and boundaries are, what level of “fighting back” is allowed, all while competing and exercising your skills. The dog may want probably quit rather quickly, but continued “positive” exposures will condition the animal to continue playing even up to the point of discomfort.

Okay! You’ve just reached an outer parameter of a “social control to physical response.” (Pavlov was so cool! 🙂

Anyway. Be careful here, because these areas can affect the personality, emotional stability, as well as the social and physical behaviors of your K-9.

You will be working within the “Submission/Dominance” controls, in an attempt to modify “Instinctual/Conditioned” behaviors by exploiting the emotional characteristics held by, or developed within the animal.

As these controls are located within the emotional response/instinct response conflict within the animal, you can do severe emotional damage to your K-9 as well. Please be aware of this as well as respectful.”

I’m sure we can all relate to the little dog that annoyingly tries to jump up on us every time you get within his reach. A small variant might be the one that comes up to you and puts his long nose right in your ear.

Most of the time, we cautiously look around, gently “deflect” the dog, and…..WAIT!

It’s that “deflect” part I want to address.

We “block” it! If we do it right, experience has taught us various ways to deal with it. Standing up, hands kind of out, gently “manipulating” the dogs face here and there if he gets a little too close, all while trying really hard to remember it’s just the animals simple joy.

But he’s annoying! A little…. :)) And a bit persistent!

Okay, THERE! That move you just did! The one in your mind that you used to back the little mutt up! lol You didn’t hurt him, but you did catch his attention! And tries again. ….Here’s where it can start.

(1) Robert P. Spunt, Emily Ellsworth, and Ralph Adolphs (2016). The Neural Basis of Understanding the Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience: nsw161v1-nsw161